Toronto Photography Meetup Group

Hi all, thinking about doing a hot air balloon ride to capture the colours. Has anyone here done one? And if so, did they do they Kitchener or Barrie location? Barrie's prices are higher and since I'll be paying for 3 fairs, Kitchener seems to be appealing. However, the overall goal is to really enjoy the view and if the Barrie view is better than I'll just cough it up.

Any feedback is appreciated.
Thx,
Alan

My wife and I rode Sundance Balloons in London several years ago.

Regarding photography, the exciting things happen while the balloon is on the ground and being filled. Things happen quickly, so attending a balloon launch just to watch what happens and where would be helpful.

I was invited to go inside the balloon while it was being filled and shoot from the inside-out. (They start filling it with fans and then use fire when it's inflated enough.) The moment is fast and disorienting - you dash inside and have less than 60 seconds to figure out what to frame and how to shoot it.

The firing of the heaters is obviously dramatic and looks great. Metering is hard. I suggest using your skill as a photographer and using manual exposure.

Wear a hat. The heaters firing just above your head can get uncomfortable without one!

For lens choices, I suggest wide over long. Long lenses are just going to get you birds-eye views of trees and rooftops. The more interesting views are to the horizon - and don't forget to turn around and snap some of your balloon pilot and fellow passengers.

Bring a camera case to stow the camera while getting into the basket and during landing. You need both hands during landing and can't be using one to keep your camera safe. Be prepared to bounce along the ground or tip over; your camera must be protected enough to survive that.

I have not been up in a Hot Air Balloon but I did have a chance to shoot one and it was an awesome experience. The colours, the flames, etc. It was great.

Here is a link to a few of my photos to give you an idea!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/annie57/se ... 7781/show/

I've been in the Gatineau Balloon festival a couple of times. Definitely worth the cost of the ride. I don't think you were asking for photo tips - and from your site I don't think you need tips. Everything written so far is true. Protecting the camera is the most important thing to know - you will need both hands free when climbing in/out of the basket.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phil_marion/2819520139/" title="balloon festival - Gatineau, Quebec by Phil Marion, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3012/2819520139_c915d9a7c5_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="balloon festival - Gatineau, Quebec"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phil_marion/2819530051/" title="balloon festival - Gatineau, Quebec by Phil Marion, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3162/2819530051_6b8a2c0f4b_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="balloon festival - Gatineau, Quebec"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phil_marion/4728901863/" title="balloon festival - Gatineau, Quebec by Phil Marion, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1387/4728901863_21122ac794_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="balloon festival - Gatineau, Quebec"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phil_marion/5122603130/" title="Gatineau balloon festival by Phil Marion, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/5122603130_fb76ef3784_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="Gatineau balloon festival"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phil_marion/5133192158/" title="balloon festival - Gatineau, Quebec by Phil Marion, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1203/5133192158_282494ecd4_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="balloon festival - Gatineau, Quebec"></a>

Thanks for the feedback guys. Unfortunately I have to wait till next year as they were completely booked up. I definitely will travel light and just take 2 lenses with me, a 17-40mm and a 15mm fisheye (both on full frame).

Do I really have to take pictures of the other passengers? Shouldn't they take pictures of me? Don't they know who I am? LOL ... pure jokes